IndieReader Discovery Awards 2026 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2026 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
THE DREAMER by Linda Patricia Cleary commences The Black Stone Cycle series with a vibrant science fiction backdrop, rapid pacing, and a likable adolescent protagonist at its core. Cleary amalgamates action and mystery with profound themes of identity and belonging, imparting emotional depth to the narrative. This is a great first book in a series and will appeal to anyone who likes space adventures with strong characters.
An engaging thriller with philosophical undertones, THE KEEPING by Rochelle Ransom pieces together an unexpected story of love through multiple character perspectives as a teenage girl is taken captive and reflects on the relationship dynamics that have shaped her life.
In THREE SILENT CRIES: Three Battles, One Unheard Scream at a Time, Marlene Zaedyan presents a deeply personal narrative that traces three profound life struggles with candor and emotional clarity. Through reflective prose and a focus on resilience, the book sheds light on perseverance in the face of adversity, offering encouragement to readers navigating their own private battles. Its heartfelt tone and message of hope make it particularly resonant for those seeking inspiration grounded in lived experience.
Set in 1883, RAILROAD MAN: Legacies Son follows the story of Arthur Edwards as he arrives in Wyoming to guide the expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad. Edwards’ fight against the corruption that is plaguing the railroad’s progress is complicated by his relationship with a female rancher. All the thrills and dangers of the American West are evoked by Hendrickson’s breezy prose and attention to detail in this gripping Western-meets-historical-romance tale.
THE AWKWARD AGENDA follows a protagonist determined to confront the very missteps she would rather forget, even creating a literal “awkward agenda” to force herself into uncomfortable social reckonings—most notably a painfully honest reunion that reframes a long-held grudge. Beth Morton blends sharp humor with emotional candor, allowing moments of public embarrassment and private reflection to evolve into genuine growth. Readers drawn to contemporary fiction that transforms cringe-worthy situations into empowering self-awareness will find this both entertaining and affirming.
I CONTAIN MULTITUDES by Christopher Hawkins uses visceral descriptions that have a relentless grip on its reader's imagination. The intense atmosphere that forces the reader into Trina Bell's shoes, with her panic and need to figure out what is going on, is only the tip of the iceberg of this world that swallows one whole. Notwithstanding a few writing errors, science fiction fans who enjoy a thrilling read are likely to have the time of their lives reading this book.
JIBBERJACK, FIBBERJACK: A Made-Up Monster Mystery by Stefanie Gamarra presents an entertaining mystery for early readers, filled with both wonder and desire for truthful connections. Engaging from start to finish, this story and its captivating illustrations offer a powerful way of introducing children to the differences between positive and negative methods of externalizing behaviors to meet emotional needs.
Dr. Gregory M. Lee, in his memoir MY GOOD LIFE, narrates the trials and triumphs of a well-lived life. Lee portrays an honest account of his early days as a young and ambitious boy in Chicago to his decades of service in the United States Airforce; sharing all the lessons and wisdom that he accumulated along the way. The writing is accessible and inspiring, pushing the readers to pursue their full potential and realize their dreams.
BALLAD OF THE BLADE is a stunning action-fantasy, with deep worldbuilding and well-realized characters. Andrew P Meritt weaves multiple storylines together bit by bit, finally bringing all the threads together at the end in a surprisingly satisfying way. At its core are Tanya, David, and Rigel—three extremely different people who, against all odds, form meaningful bonds (romantic and otherwise) as they attempt to evade capture. Deceptively detached from the narrative (but connected before the final page) is the self-named "Nathan," an amnesiac whose few memories fly in the face of the world's polytheistic views. And above everyone shine three moons, one of which seems to bring misfortune on the people below. Readers in search of an immersive new fantasy series will love this one.
Sam Paisley’s THE ELEMENTS OF TIME: THE WINDS OF CHANGE is a universe-spanning space opera. Thrilling adventures become the medium by which two friends discover deep truths about themselves. This is a thrill ride from start to finish.
RISING UP by Tanya Ross captures a futuristic society that has succumbed to dictatorship, centralizing citizen rights to an unconventional ranking system. Despite some obvious inconsistencies in pace and development, this book offers an ethereal perspective that showcases not only its original world-building, but also complex challenges and innovative ideologies.
Set in the not-so-distant future, INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN by Travis Franklin follows a ragtag group of individuals variously scorned by internet technologies: neurodivergent Allan, laid-off tech guy Canard, and Fayad, an immigrant displaced by war, all led by the young and quirky Doctor Grover, a human embodiment of foreshadowing and a voice of reason. The novel, smart and politically charged and reminiscent of stories in which AI entities attempt to overpower and enslave humankind, is set in a political and highly plausible not-too-distant future. Its divisive technologies make it feel almost dystopian, but the tech is not so different from the AI, bot accounts, and false information that social media users and the “chronically online” are already witnessing today. A perfect tale for the thoughtful, the analytical, and the just, this fast-paced story is immensely enjoyable in its mission.
H.J. Koch creates a delightful mix of history and poetry in THAYER’S RETURN. A West Point cadet learns the school’s history (and by extension, the country’s history) from its beginnings in 1802 through the end of World War I through ghostly visits from West Point’s founder, Sylvanus Thayer. Conversing in verse, each man learns from the other. The piece is rhythmically beautiful, with sharp imagery and sensory detail. THAYER’S RETURN is unique, both historical poetry and poetic history.
In SACRED SEVENTH, Peter Bell explores themes of destiny, faith, and hidden knowledge through a narrative shaped by the symbolic power of the number seven. Blending spiritual inquiry with elements of suspense and discovery, the novel invites readers to contemplate larger metaphysical questions while following a character-driven journey. Its thoughtful tone and layered concepts will appeal to those drawn to fiction that intertwines mystery with philosophical depth.
GOODBYE DEMONS by JJ Harrigan is the story of Angie, a former figure skater turned member of the Peace Corps. She, along with her friends, devotes her life to teaching ESL to the people of Tunis. This book opens the heart and minds of the reader, counting their blessings and having gratitude for what they have such as good health and education. Despite certain passages being difficult to read, the story is beyond inspirational and it will touch the hearts of many people.
ROAD TO GLORY by James Brady weaves together a complex coming-of-age tale with national turmoil and individual aspirations during the end of the Napoleonic Wars. For fans of character-and conscience-driven historical fiction, Brady paints a striking picture of youth, honor, and redemption via David Talbot's moral dilemmas and developing connections.
A CLAN CHIEF'S DAUGHTER: She Who Rides Horses (Book Two) expands its world with vivid cultural detail and a strong sense of character continuity. Sarah V. Barnes delivers a story that blends adventure with emotional growth, appealing to readers who enjoy character-focused historical or tribal narratives. Its immersive setting and evolving protagonist (Naya, ‘the first person to ride a horse’) add depth to the series. Books about the relationship between people and horses are not necessarily unique, but the nuance with which Barnes explores these themes certainly is, and makes for an excellent read.
Having emigrated to America at a young age, author Hoangmai Pham gives readers a look at life and discovery in BRIDGE FROM SAIGON: A Viet-American Memoir of Family and Mind. A respected physician and health advocate, Dr. Pham (or “Mai,” as she’s known to family and friends) fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam war. After returning to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, she found herself fighting her own psychological demons and split personalities. Complete with personal photographs and a “cast of characters” to help readers keep track of who’s who, BRIDGE FROM SAIGON offers perspective from someone who’s lived in two very different worlds.